How to Get Rid of Tiny Ants in the Kitchen

Finding tiny ants in your kitchen can be frustrating, especially when they keep coming back no matter how much you clean up. Whether you’re dealing with sugar ants, pharaoh ants, or little black ants, these pests invade homes in search of food and water. The good news is that you can get rid of ants and prevent future infestations by following the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process that will help homeowners eliminate an ant infestation and keep their kitchens ant-free for good.

Key Takeaways

Different types of ants need different solutions, so identify the species before using any ant control methods.
Ants enter kitchens for food and water, so clean up crumbs, seal food containers, and fix leaks.
Bait stations work best because ants carry the bait to their nest, eliminating the queen and the entire colony.
Persistent infestations, especially with carpenter ants or fire ants, may require professional exterminators for safe treatment.

1. Identify the Type of Ant

Before starting any ant control methods, identify the species of ants invading your kitchen. Common house ants in Florida include ghost ants, pharaoh ants, pavement ants, and little black ants.

Sugar ants are particularly drawn to sweet foods, while carpenter ants often build nests inside wood, causing structural damage similar to termites.

2. Clean Up Food and Water Sources

Tiny ants enter kitchens because of easy access to food sources and water.

Begin by cleaning up crumbs and spills from kitchen counters and countertops. Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving sweet foods like honey and syrup uncovered.

Don’t forget pet food—clean food bowls regularly and store kibble in sealed containers. Check faucets and sinks for leaks, as water sources attract ants just as much as food.

3. Follow Ant Trails to Locate Entry Points

Worker ants leave pheromone trails that guide the rest of the ant colony to food sources. Follow these ant trails to locate their entry points, which are often found around windowsills, faucets, baseboards, and crevices near kitchen counters.

4. Seal Entry Points to Prevent Future Infestations

After identifying the entry points, use caulk to seal any cracks, crevices, and voids where ants may enter. Pay special attention to gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.

This step is essential not only to get rid of ants but also to prevent other pests like wasps and cockroaches from entering your home.

5. Set Up Ant Bait Stations for Effective Ant Control

Instead of spraying ants directly, use ant bait stations to target the entire ant colony.

Products like Terro liquid ant bait are highly effective because worker ants carry the bait back to the nest, eliminating the queen and other ants.

Place ant traps near ant trails but away from food preparation areas and food bowls. Avoid using repellents in spray bottles, as they can cause these pests to scatter and create new nests in different areas.

“One afternoon, I walked into my new kitchen to see an ant column marching from my counter to disappear under the windowsill. So much for leaving a dirty dish in the sink! I cleaned the dish, wiped the ants away, then used ant spray to get rid of them. Next morning, there they were again, but this time coming from the electrical outlet in the clean kitchen! I used the ant spray again, and finally got rid of them.”

— Anne Bogardus, Writer

6. Use DIY Methods and Natural Ant Killers

If you prefer DIY methods, try using borax or boric acid mixed with sugar to attract and kill ants. Combine one part borax with three parts sugar and place the mixture near the ant trails.

Diatomaceous earth is another natural option—sprinkle it around entry points and along ant trails to dehydrate and kill them. Coffee grounds, vinegar, and essential oils like peppermint oil can also act as natural repellents.

However, keep in mind that repellents only deter ants temporarily and may not eliminate an entire infestation.

7. Remove Ant Nests (If Accessible)

If you locate an ant nest inside your home—such as within wall voids, behind baseboards, or near kitchen counters—remove it if possible.

For outdoor nests, apply boric acid or a targeted ant bait around the nest entrance. Avoid disturbing the nest without treatment, as this may cause them to relocate deeper into your home.

8. Clean Up and Maintain a Pest-Free Kitchen

After eliminating the ants, maintaining a clean kitchen is key to preventing future infestations.

Wipe down kitchen counters and countertops daily, clean under appliances, and store food in airtight containers. Keep pet food bowls clean, rinse dishes before placing them in the sink, and empty the trash regularly.

9. Monitor for Signs of Reinfestation

Keep an eye out for new ant trails, especially around entry points like windowsills, faucets, and baseboards. If you notice small ants returning, re-apply bait stations and inspect your home for new crevices and voids that need sealing.

10. Call a Professional Exterminator for Persistent Ant Problems

If DIY methods don’t work or if you’re dealing with carpenter ants, fire ants, or a severe ant infestation, contact a pest control professional.

At Native Pest Management, we offer pet-friendly pest control services throughout Florida, using proven methods to eliminate ant colonies and prevent future infestations. Our trained exterminators can identify the species of ants, locate hidden ant nests, and apply treatments that are safe for your family and pets.